Submerged 400-Year-Old Church Resurfaces from the Waves

Drowned in 1966, the Templo de Quechula has recently re-emerged from receding waters in Chiapas, Mexico. A drought in the area allowed this 400-year-old church to reappear from the watery depths, with recorded levels in the Chiapas state reservoir dropping by 25 meters (82 feet). This is the second time in history that dipping water levels have revealed the church, after it was initially flooded due to the construction of a dam in the Grijalva River. In 2002 the water was so low that visitors could actually walk inside.

Reportedly, the church was built by a group of monks, headed by Friar Bartolome de la Casas who arrived in the area in the 16th century. However, it is said that the church was likely abandoned due to plagues that ravaged the area in 1773-1776. The relic, measuring 61m x 14m (183 x 42 ft) with a bell tower reaching 16m (48 ft), is surprisingly intact despite its time underwater. Architectural details and design are still clearly able to be observed and admired in this lost place of worship.

Local fishermen turned entrepreneurs are currently taking curious visitors out on boat tours to admire and photograph the colonial-era relic.